The surgical management of elderly cancer patients

Using Systems Engineering and Implementation Science to Design an Implementation Package for Preoperative Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment Among Older Adults Having Major Abdominal Surgery: Protocol for a 3-Phase Study

BACKGROUND

Older Americans, a growing segment of the population, have an increasing need for surgical services, and they experience a disproportionate burden of postoperative complications compared to their younger counterparts. A preoperative comprehensive geriatric assessment (pCGA) is recommended to reduce risk and improve surgical care delivery for this population, which has been identified as vulnerable. The pCGA optimizes multiple chronic conditions and factors commonly overlooked in routine preoperative planning, including physical function, polypharmacy, nutrition, cognition, mental health, and social and environmental support. The pCGA has been shown to decrease postoperative morbidity, mortality, and length of stay in a variety of surgical specialties. Although national guidelines recommend the use of the pCGA, a paucity of strategic guidance for implementation limits its uptake to a few academic medical centers. By applying implementation science and human factors engineering methods, this study will provide the necessary evidence to optimize the implementation of the pCGA in a variety of health care settings.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this paper is to describe the study protocol to design an adaptable, user-centered pCGA implementation package for use among older adults before major abdominal surgery.

METHODS

This protocol uses systems engineering methods to develop, tailor, and pilot-test a user-centered pCGA implementation package, which can be adapted to community-based hospitals in preparation for a multisite implementation trial. The protocol is based upon the National Institutes of Health Stage Model for Behavioral Intervention Development and aligns with the goal to develop behavioral interventions with an eye to real-world implementation. In phase 1, we will use observation and interviews to map the pCGA process and identify system-based barriers and facilitators to its use among older adults undergoing major abdominal surgery. In phase 2, we will apply user-centered design methods, engaging health care providers, patients, and caregivers to co-design a pCGA implementation package. This package will be applicable to a diverse population of older patients undergoing major abdominal surgery at a large academic hospital and an affiliate community site. In phase 3, we will pilot-test and refine the pCGA implementation package in preparation for a future randomized controlled implementation-effectiveness trial. We anticipate that this study will take approximately 60 months (April 2023-March 2028).

RESULTS

This study protocol will generate (1) a detailed process map of the pCGA; (2) an adaptable, user-centered pCGA implementation package ready for feasibility testing in a pilot trial; and (3) preliminary pilot data on the implementation and effectiveness of the package. We anticipate that these data will serve as the basis for future multisite hybrid implementation-effectiveness clinical trials of the pCGA in older adults undergoing major abdominal surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

The expected results of this study will contribute to improving perioperative care processes for older adults before major abdominal surgery.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/59428.

Efficacy and safety of adjuvant therapies in older patients with breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of real-world data

BACKGROUND

Insufficient data available for older patients with breast cancer complicates decision-making regarding optimal treatment. A systematic review that uses real-world data is required for assessing the effectiveness and potential adverse effects of various therapies for this age group of patients.

METHODS

Databases of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched. We included clinical studies that evaluated various treatments for geriatric breast cancer, including adjuvant radiation therapy, hypofractionated radiation therapy (hypo-RT) and accelerated and partial breast irradiation (APBI), endocrine therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy.

RESULTS

A total of 71 studies were retrieved. Adjuvant radiation therapy significantly improved overall survival (OS) compared with no radiation [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.60, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.54-0.67]. The pooled estimates of OS for hypo-RT and APBI demonstrated no inferiority compared with conventional radiation. Both endocrine treatment (HR = 0.63, 95% CI 0.43-0.92) and chemotherapy (HR = 0.76, 95% CI 0.65-0.88) significantly increased OS compared with no treatment. Trastuzumab monotherapy significantly enhanced OS compared with no trastuzumab use (HR = 0.23, 95% CI 0.07-0.73).

CONCLUSION

Despite concerns about potential complications during treatment in older patients, proactive therapies significantly increase their survival rates. For patients who are frailer, hypo-RT and APBI offer survival rates comparable to traditional modalities. Additionally, targeted therapy as a monotherapy holds promise as a viable option for patients with HER2-positive breast cancer who cannot undergo chemotherapy. Therefore, by conducting thorough general assessments and clinical evaluations, the side effects of postoperative treatments can be effectively managed.

Predicting the Survival Benefit of Radiotherapy in Elderly Breast Cancer Patients: A Population-Based Analysis

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to establish two prediction tools predicting cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS) in elderly breast cancer patients with or without radiotherapy.

METHODS

Clinicopathological data of breast cancer patients aged more than 70 y from 2010 to 2018 were retrospectively collected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Patients were randomly divided into the training and validation cohorts at 7:3, and the Cox proportional risk model was used to construct the nomograms. The concordance index, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, and the calibration plot are used to evaluate the discrimination and accuracy of the nomograms.

RESULTS

One lakh twenty eight thousand two hundred twenty three elderly breast cancer patients were enrolled, including 57,915 who received radiotherapy. The Cox regression model was used to identify independent factors. These independent influencing factors are used to construct the prediction models. The calibration plots reflect the excellent consistency between the predicted and actual survival rates. The concordance index of nomograms for CSS and OS was more than 0.7 in both the radiotherapy group and the nonradiotherapy group, and similar results are also shown in area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. Decision curve analysis showed that the prognostication accuracy of the model was much higher than that of the traditional tumor, node, metastasis staging.

CONCLUSIONS

Radiotherapy can benefit elderly breast cancer patients significantly. The two prediction tools provide a personalized survival scale for evaluating the CSS and OS of elderly breast cancer patients, which can better provide clinicians with better-individualized management for these patients.

Factors Associated with 1-Year Mortality in Elderly Patients (Age ≥ 80 Years) with Cancer Undergoing Major Abdominal Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

The number of elderly patients undergoing major abdominal surgery is increasing, but the factors affecting their postoperative outcomes remain unclear. This study aimed to identify the factors associated with 1-year mortality among elderly patients (age ≥ 80 years) with cancer undergoing major abdominal surgery.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study was conducted from March 2009 to December 2020. The study enrolled 378 patients 80 years old or older who underwent major abdominal surgery. The main outcome was 1-year mortality, and the factors associated with mortality were analyzed.

RESULTS

Of the 378 patients, 92 died at 1 year (24.3%), whereas the 30-day mortality rate was 4% (n = 15). In the multivariate analysis, the factors independently associated with 1-year mortality were preoperative Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS) score higher than 1 (odds ratio [OR], 3.189; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.595-6.377; p = 0.001), preoperative weight loss greater than 3 kg (OR, 2.145; 95% CI, 1.044-4.404; p = 0.038), use of an intraoperative vasopressor (OR, 3.090; 95% CI, 1.188-8.042; p = 0.021), and postoperative red blood cell units (OR, 1.212; 95% CI, 1.045-1.405; p = 0.011). Survival was associated with perioperative management according to an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol (OR, 0.370; 95% CI, 0.160-0.854; p = 0.006) and supramesocolic surgery (OR, 0.371; 95% CI, 0.158-0.871; p = 0.023).

CONCLUSION

The study identified several factors associated with an encouraging 1-year mortality rate in this setting. These results highlight the need for identification of suitable targets to optimize pre-, intra-, and postoperative management in order to improve outcomes for this vulnerable population.

Association between sarcopenia and postoperative complications in patients undergoing surgery for gastrointestinal or hepato-pancreatico-biliary cancer

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Despite surgical advances, postoperative complications persist, affecting oncologic outcomes and increasing treatment costs. It is important to identify a marker that can predict postoperative complications, which can help prehabilitate patients before surgery. This study evaluated sarcopenia as a predictive marker of postoperative complications in patients undergoing surgery for gastrointestinal (GI) or hepato-pancreatico-biliary (HPB) cancer.

METHODS

Sarcopenia was assessed using the skeletal muscle index at the third lumbar vertebra on abdominal computed tomography. The predictive ability of sarcopenia was evaluated by adjusting for other clinicopathological factors.

RESULTS

Of the 210 patients, 81 (38.57%) were sarcopenic. The overall morbidity and mortality were 33.81% and 2.86%, respectively. Major complications (Clavien-Dindo Grade ≥ III) were observed in 10.95% patients and sarcopenic patients were significantly more likely to develop major complications (p = 1.42 × 10-10 ). Sarcopenia (p = 6.13 × 10-6 ; odds ratio = 12.29) independently predicted postoperative complications and prolonged hospital stay (p = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Sarcopenia objectively predicted the development of postoperative complications and prolonged hospital stay in patients undergoing surgery for GI or HPB cancer. This may facilitate the prehabilitation of patients planned for surgery to reduce the risk of complications.

Quality is more important than quantity: pre-operative sarcopenia is associated with poor survival in advanced ovarian cancer

BACKGROUND

Sarcopenia is prevalent among older patients with cancer and is associated with poor outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the relationship between muscle mass, quality, and patient age with overall survival after surgery for advanced ovarian cancer.

METHODS

Patients with advanced stage (IIIC/IV) ovarian cancer who underwent primary cytoreductive surgery between January 2006 and July 2016 were included. Body composition measures were calculated from pre-operative CT imaging: skeletal muscle index (skeletal muscle index=skeletal muscle area normalized for height), skeletal muscle density, and skeletal muscle gauge (product of skeletal muscle index and skeletal muscle density). Each measure was transformed to a z-score and evaluated for association with risk of death using Cox proportional hazards models. Recursive partitioning was used to classify patients into homogeneous subgroups considering age and skeletal muscle gauge as predictors of overall survival.

RESULTS

The study included 429 patients (mean age 64.2 years). Increased age moderately correlated with decreased skeletal muscle gauge (r=-0.45). Decreasing skeletal muscle density and skeletal muscle gauge were significantly associated with increased risk of death; HR (95% CI) per 1-unit decrease in z-score of 1.24 (1.10 to 1.39) for skeletal muscle density and 1.27 (1.12 to 1.44) for skeletal muscle gauge. Associations were diluted after adjusting for age (1.13 (1.00 to 1.29) skeletal muscle density and 1.14 (0.99 to 1.30) skeletal muscle gauge). Recursive partitioning identified three subgroups: <60 years old, ≥60 years old with skeletal muscle gauge ≥937.3, and ≥60 years old with skeletal muscle gauge <937.3; median overall survival was 5.8, 3.3, and 2.3 years, respectively (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Skeletal muscle gauge, a novel sarcopenia measure incorporating quantity and quality, was associated with poorer survival in patients with advanced ovarian cancer, particularly among patients older than 60. Expanding our knowledge of how sarcopenia relates to solid tumor outcomes among high-risk patients can modify our treatment approach.

Frailty in Very Elderly Patients is Not Associated with Adverse Surgical or Oncological Outcomes in Extremity Surgery for Soft Tissue Sarcoma

Background

While surgery remains the mainstay of treatment for limb sarcoma, extreme old age is a relative contraindication to oncological surgery.

Methods

Patients >80 years referred with primary extremity soft-tissue sarcoma (ESTS) between 2007 and 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Prognostic variables, including ASA status and Clinical Frailty Scores, were collected. Endpoints were perioperative morbidity, locoregional (LRR) and distant recurrence (DR), disease-specific survival (DSS) adjusted using competing risk modelling, and overall survival (OS).

Results

A total of 141 primary tumours were identified, with 116 undergoing resections. Main motives for nonoperative management were severe frailty or significant comorbidity (56.0%). The operative group had a median age of 84 (range 80-96) years and median follow-up of 16 months (range 0-95). 45.7% of patients received radiotherapy. Median hospital stay was 7 (range 0-40) days, with frailty (p = 0.25) and ASA (p = 0.28) not associated with prolonged admission. 12.9% developed significant complications, with one perioperative mortality.

24.1% had LRR, occurring at a median of 14.5 months. All patients with reported DR (28.4%), except one, died of their disease. Frailty did not confer a significant difference in adjusted LRFS (p = 0.95) and DMFS (p = 0.84). One- and 5-year adjusted DSS and OS was 87.0% versus 74.9% and 62.3% versus 27.4%, respectively. Frailty (CFS ≥4) was associated with worse OS (hazard ratio [HR] 2.49; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.51-4.12; p < 0.001), however not with adjusted DSS (p = 0.16). Nonoperative management conferred a 1- and 5-year adjusted DSS was 58.3% and 44.4%, respectively.

Conclusions

Extremity surgery for sarcoma is well tolerated in the frail very elderly population with low morbidity and comparable oncological outcomes.

Effects of a perioperative geriatric intervention for older adults with Cancer: A randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Older adults with gastrointestinal cancers undergoing surgery often experience poor outcomes, such as prolonged postoperative hospital length of stay (LOS), intensive care unit (ICU) use, hospital readmissions, and complications. Involvement of geriatricians in the care of older adults with cancer can improve outcomes. We conducted a randomized trial of a perioperative geriatric intervention (PERI-OP) in older patients with gastrointestinal cancer undergoing surgery.

METHODS

From 9/2016-4/2019, we randomly assigned patients age ≥ 65 with gastrointestinal cancer planning to undergo surgical resection to receive PERI-OP or usual care. Patients assigned to PERI-OP met with a geriatrician preoperatively in the outpatient setting and postoperatively as an inpatient consultant. The primary outcome was postoperative hospital LOS. Secondary outcomes included postoperative ICU use, 90-day hospital readmission rates, and complication rates. We conducted intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) analyses.

RESULTS

ITT analyses included 137/160 patients who underwent surgery (usual care = 68/78, intervention = 69/82). PP analyses included the 68 usual care patients and the 30/69 intervention patients who received the preoperative and postoperative intervention components. ITT analyses demonstrated no significant differences between intervention and usual care in postoperative hospital LOS (7.23 vs 8.21 days, P = 0.374), ICU use (23.2% vs 32.4%, P = 0.257), 90-day hospital readmission rates (21.7% vs 25.0%, P = 0.690), or complication rates (17.4% vs 20.6%, P = 0.668). In PP analyses, intervention patients had shorter postoperative hospital LOS (5.90 vs 8.21 days, P = 0.024), but differences in ICU use (13.3% vs 32.4%, P = 0.081), 90-day hospital readmission rates (16.7% vs 25.0%, P = 0.439), and complication rates (6.7% vs 20.6%, P = 0.137) remained non-significant.

CONCLUSIONS

In this randomized trial, PERI-OP did not have a significant impact on postoperative hospital LOS, ICU use, hospital readmissions, or complications. However, the subgroup who received PERI-OP as planned experienced encouraging results. Future studies of PERI-OP should include efforts, such as telehealth, to ensure the intervention is delivered as planned.

Outcomes of trimodality CROSS regimen in older adults with locally advanced esophageal cancer

BACKGROUND

Chemoradiotherapy for Esophageal cancer followed by Surgery (CROSS regimen) is standard of care for locally-advanced esophageal cancer. We evaluated CROSS completion rates, toxicity, and postoperative outcomes between older and younger adults receiving trimodality therapy.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of patients with locally-advanced esophageal cancer who underwent CROSS regimen from May 2016 to January 2020 at a single academic center. Outcomes of those aged ≥70-years-old and <70 years-old were analyzed.

RESULTS

Of 201 patients, 136 were <70 and 65 were ≥70 years. Older adults were more likely to be male (91% vs. 79%; p = 0.045), have higher ECOG scores (median 1 vs. 0; p = 0.003), Charlson-comorbidity index (median 6 vs. 4; p < 0.001), and undergo open procedures (20% vs. 8% p = 0.008). Most completed CROSS regimen (78% vs. 84% respectively) with similar rates of treatment discontinuation and dose reduction (all p > 0.05). Time to surgery following neoadjuvant therapy was similar between age groups, except in those ≥80-years-old as compared to <70-years-old (p < 0.05). Overall toxicity rates were similar (68% vs. 71% respectively; p = 0.676). Only rates of delirium (19% vs. 5%) and urinary retention (9% vs. 0%) were higher in older adults (both p < 0.05). Length of stay, discharge disposition, mortality, and overall survival were similar. Age was not an independent risk factor for complication, neoadjuvant toxicity or completion, surgery timing, nor worse overall or recurrence-free survival (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Trimodality CROSS regimen for esophageal cancer in older adults is feasible, with similar completion rates and postoperative outcomes as compared to their younger counterparts.

Effects of surgery on survival of patients aged 75 years or older with oral tongue squamous cell carcinomas

The objective of this study is to assess prognostic value of surgery for elderly oral tongue squamous cell carcinomas (OTSCC) patients. Patients with OTSCC were extracted from the SEER database between 2010 and 2014. The distributions of categorical demographic and clinicopathological characteristics were determined for different age groups: the 75-79, 80-84, and 85-102 years old groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the effects of each variable on survival. A total of 1064 patients were analyzed. 75-79 years old patients tended to be male and rate of surgery declined with advancing age (P < 0.001). 75-79 years old patients more frequently presented with advanced stage compared to their older peers (P = 0.002). Compared to surgery groups, the hazard ratios for no surgery groups were 2.856 (95% CI 2.267-3.599; (P < 0.001)) for OS and 3.687 (95% CI 2.561-5.308; (P < 0.001)) for CSS in multivariable analysis. In subgroup analysis, the effect of no surgery was significantly associated with a higher risk of poor CSS in patients aged 75-79 years, 80-84 years and 85-102 years (P < 0.001, respectively). Our results showed that there were a series of factors contributing to poor outcomes in the elderly OTSCC patients, including clinicopathological characteristics and surgical management. Surgical resection is significantly associated with an improved OS and CSS, but further exploration in larger prospective clinical trials and better prognostic and predictive tools for select old patients for surgery are needed.

Definition and assessment of frailty in older patients: the surgical, anaesthesiological and oncological perspective

The number of oncology, surgery and anaesthesia procedures in older patients has greatly increased in recent years due to ageing populations. Older patients are typically characterised by physical changes such as comorbidities, decline in physiological activities and cognitive impairment. All these factors, together with polypharmacological therapies, may substantially impact perioperative outcome, quality of recovery and, more in general, quality of life. A comprehensive multidisciplinary approach to perioperative care is thus needed. The assessment of frailty has a central role in the pre-operative evaluation of older patients and, with a multidisciplinary approach. The best surgical procedures and oncologic therapies can be accurately discussed in the pre- and post-operative periods. All clinicians involved in this scenario should be proactive in multidisciplinary care to achieve better outcomes.

Caring for older cancer patients: A scoping review

There is a growing recognition among oncologists that older patients differ from other cancer patients. Older patients present age-specific issues affecting the prevention and management of their cancer. Over the years, this has led to the development of the discipline of geriatric oncology, which is the set of practices elaborated to evaluate, treat, follow-up and rehabilitate the population of older cancer patients. Geriatric oncology is still struggling to establish itself in healthcare settings managing older cancer patients. Efforts are currently being made to make it a recognized medical specialty. Health policy makers have to have a grasp of the evolution of this discipline because it concerns a fast growing segment of the cancer patient population. To shed light on the literature about this field, we undertook a scoping review in which we identified relevant studies; charted the data from the selected studies, collated, summarized and reported the results. From 2043 references initially identified, we included 92 articles in our scoping review and extracted data from 88 articles. The included articles were classified into three major categories, namely Advancing the discipline, Organization of care and Nursing and support services for patient and their caregivers. This review affords researchers and policy makers a foundation to help conduct many other conversations on each theme and sub-theme.

Management of Very Elderly Patients With Papillary Thyroid Cancer: Analysis of Outcomes for Surgery Versus Nonsurgery

BACKGROUND

The prognosis of patients with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) who have undergone surgery is usually good. But surgery is risky for elderly patients. The outcomes of surgery or nonsurgery for the very elderly PTC patients have not been reported. Here, we investigated the effect of surgery or not on prognosis in very elderly PTC patients (aged ≥85 y).

METHODS

A retrospective study was performed based on data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program. The outcomes of surgery and nonsurgery in very elderly PTC patients were compared using different statistical methods, including propensity score matching.

RESULTS

A total of 1196 very elderly patients with PTC were enrolled in the study. Patients who underwent surgery (n = 871) had a much better prognosis than those who did not (n = 325) in both overall survival and cancer-specific survival (P < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, nonsurgery was an independent predictor for both overall survival (hazard ratio = 2.066; P < 0.001) and cancer-specific survival (hazard ratio = 2.768; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Surgery is positively associated with an improved prognosis of PTC patients aged ≥85 y and is still suggested for these patients after appropriate risk assessment.

Comprehensive geriatric assessment is correlated to overall survival among gynaecologic oncology patients

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the correlation of comprehensive geriatric assessment to overall survival among older gynaecologic oncology patients.

METHODS

Between 2011 and 2017, patients >70 years had geriatric assessment before treatment. Geriatric assessment included the following tests: Old American resource and services, instrumental activities of daily living, modified Barthels index, mini-mental state examination, geriatric depression scale, mini-nutritional assessment, risk of falling and medication use. Overall survival was calculated for patients' groups below and above median tests scores. Univariate as well as multivariate analysis was done to evaluate the association between each variable and survival.

RESULTS

About 120 patients had geriatric assessment. Mean patients' age was 76.4 ± 5. A total of 78 Patients had ovarian cancer, 16 uterine cancer, 17 cervical cancer and 9 had other gynaecologic malignancies. No correlation was found between age, BMI (body mass index) and cancer type to overall survival. Patients with scores below cut-off values of modified Barthels index, instrumental activities of daily living, mini-nutritional assessment and mini-nutritional assessment had significantly shorter overall survival (P = 0.004, 0.031, 0.046 and 0.004, respectively). This remained significant in both univariate and multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Gynaecologic oncology patients with lower geriatric assessment scores have significantly lower overall survival, irrespective of cancer type. Geriatric assessment tests allow objective assessment of older patients with worst prognosis before treatment planning.

Clinical Factors and Outcomes of Octogenarians Receiving Curative Surgery for Esophageal Cancer

BACKGROUND

The incidence of esophageal cancer is increasing in the United States. Although neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) for locally advanced cancers followed by surgical resection is the standard of care, there are no clearly defined guidelines for patients aged ≥79 y.

METHODS

Query of an institutional review board-approved database of 1031 esophagectomies at our institution revealed 35 patients aged ≥79 y from 1999 to 2017 who underwent esophagectomy. Age, gender, tumor location, histology, clinical stage, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), NAT administration, pathologic response rate to NAT, surgery type, negative margin resection status, postoperative complications, postoperative death, length of stay, 30- and 90-d mortality, and disease status parameters were analyzed in association with clinical outcome.

RESULTS

The median age of the octogenarian cohort was 82.1 y with a male preponderance (91.4%). American Joint Committee on Cancer clinical staging was stage I for 20% of patients, stage II for 27% of patients, and stage III for 50% of patients, which was not statistically significant compared with the younger cohort (P = 0.576). Within the octogenarian group, 54% received NAT compared with 67% in the younger group (P = 0.098). There was no difference in postoperative complications (P = 0.424), postoperative death (P = 0.312), and recurrence rate (P = 0.434) between the groups. However, CCI was significantly different between the octogenarian and nonoctogenarian cohort (P = 0.008), and octogenarians had shorter overall survival (18 versus 62 mo, P<0.001). None of the other parameters assessed were associated with clinical outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Curative surgery is viable and safe for octogenarians with esophageal cancer. Long-term survival was significantly shorter in the octogenarian group, suggesting the need for better clinical selection criteria for esophagectomy after chemoradiation and that identification of complete responders for nonoperative management is warranted.

A novel geriatric assessment tool that predicts postoperative complications in older adults with cancer

INTRODUCTION

Comprehensive geriatric assessment prior to oncologic surgery can help predict surgical outcomes. We tested whether an abbreviated geriatric assessment tool, the Vulnerable Elderly Surgical Pathways and outcomes Assessment (VESPA), would predict post-operative complications among older adults undergoing oncologic surgery.

METHOD

From 2008 to 2011, geriatric assessments were completed using the VESPA tool for patients age ≥ 70 seen in a pre-operative clinic. The VESPA assessed functional status, mood, cognition, and mobility, and can be completed in <10 min. We selected the subset of patients who underwent oncologic surgery and evaluated the VESPA's ability to predict post-operative surgical complications, geriatric complications (e.g., delirium), length of stay, and geriatric post-discharge needs (e.g., new functional dependence).

RESULTS

A total of 476 patients who underwent oncologic surgery received the assessment using VESPA. Compared to patients with low VESPA scores (<9), patients with high VESPA scores (≥9) had longer length of stay (mean 6.6 vs. 2.0 days; p < .001), more geriatric complications (39.5% vs. 5.7%; p < .001), more surgical complications (29.5% vs. 11.8%; p < .001), and more likely to have post discharge needs (76.0% vs. 31.7%; p < .001). Using logistic regression, each additional point on the VESPA scale was also associated with increased probability of geriatric complications (OR = 1.3; 95% CI = 1.2-1.4), surgical complications (OR = 1.2; 95% CI = 1.1-1.2), and geriatric post-discharge needs (OR = 1.3; 95% CI = 1.2-1.3).

CONCLUSION

The VESPA identifies older patients with cancer who are at risk for postoperative surgical and geriatric complications as well as functional needs at hospital discharge.

Rituximab Decreases Lymphoproliferative Tumor Formation in Hepatopancreaticobiliary and Gastrointestinal Cancer Patient-Derived Xenografts

High engraftment rates are critical to any patient-derived xenograft (PDX) program and the loss of PDX models due to the development of lymphoproliferative tumors (LTs) is costly and inefficient. We hypothesized that routine injection of rituximab, an anti-CD20 antibody, at the time of implantation would reduce the incidence of LTs. Rituximab injection was added to the standard PDX engraftment protocol. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were used to determine the significance of various factors. A total of 811 generations of PDX were implanted with 406 receiving rituximab with implantation. On multivariable analysis, rituximab was an independent factor for decreased LT formation across the entire cohort (OR 0.465, 95% CI 0.271–0.797, p = 0.005). Hepatocellular carcinomas (OR 0.319, 95% CI 0.107–0.949, p = 0.040) and cholangiocarcinomas (OR 0.185, 95% CI 0.049–0.696, p = 0.113) were the specific malignant histologic subtypes that demonstrated the greatest benefit. The frequency of LTs decreased across the entire cohort with rituximab administration and PDX tumors that are traditionally associated with higher rates of LT formation, HCCs and CCAs, appear to benefit the most from rituximab treatment. Routine use of rituximab at the time of tumor implantation may have significant programmatic benefits for laboratories that utilize PDX models.

Increasing kidney cancer incidence and survival in Estonia: role of age and stage

BACKGROUND

Kidney cancer rates in Estonia are high. The study aimed to examine long-term trends in kidney cancer incidence, mortality and survival in Estonia, with special focus on age, birth cohorts, morphology and TNM stage.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Estonian Cancer Registry provided data on all incident cases of kidney cancer (ICD-10 C64), diagnosed in adults (age ≥15 years) in Estonia during 1995 - 2014. Relative survival ratios (RSR) were calculated and excess hazard ratios of dying were estimated with gender, age, period of diagnosis and TNM stage as independent variables. Joinpoint regression modeling was used to calculate estimated annual percentage change for incidence (1970-2014) and mortality (1995-2016) trends. Age-specific incidence rates were presented by birth cohort and period of diagnosis.

RESULTS

Incidence increased significantly in both sexes, with the steepest rise seen for localized cancer. Cohort effects were pronounced particularly in men, while period effects were seen from the mid-1980s to mid-1990s in both sexes. Age-standardized five-year RSR for total kidney cancer increased by 13 percentage units (from 53% to 65%) over the study period; the increase was larger for renal cell carcinoma (from 63% to 78%). Survival increases of about five percentage units were seen for stages I/II and III. Age and gender were not associated with excess risk of dying from renal cell carcinoma after adjusting for stage.

CONCLUSION

Estonia is currently among countries with the highest incidence of kidney cancer. The results suggest a combined effect of changing risk profiles in successive birth cohorts and increasing diagnostic activity around 1990. Large survival increase can mostly be attributed to earlier detection, but improved diagnosis and treatment have probably influenced stage-specific survival. High proportion of tumors with unspecified morphology and those with unknown stage among the elderly warrants further investigation of diagnostic and treatment practices.

Older age impacts on survival outcome in patients receiving curative surgery for solid cancer

BACKGROUND

Given the global increase in aging populations and cancer incidence, understanding the influence of age on postoperative outcome after cancer surgery is imperative. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of age on survival outcome in solid cancer patients receiving curative surgery.

METHODS

A total of 37,288 patients receiving curative surgeries for solid cancers between 2007 and 2012 at four affiliated Chang Gung Memorial Hospital were included in the study. All patients were categorized into age groups by decades for survival analysis.

RESULTS

The percentages of patient populations aged <40 years, 40-49 years, 50-59 years, 60-69 years, 70-79 years, and ≥80 years were 9.7%, 17.7%, 27.8%, 22.1%, 16.9%, and 5.7%, respectively. The median follow-up period was 38.9 months (range, 22.8-60.4 months) and the overall, cancer-specific, and noncancer-specific mortality rates were 26.0%, 17.6%, and 8.5%, respectively. The overall mortality rate of patients in different age groups were 18.5%, 21.1%, 22.0%, 25.3%, 35.3%, and 49.0%, respectively. Compared to patients aged <40 years, more significant decrease in long-term survival were observed in aging patients. Multivariate analysis showed higher postoperative short-term mortality rates in patients older than 70 years, and the adjusted odds ratio of mortality risk ranged from 1.47 to 1.74 and 2.26 to 3.03 in patients aged 70-79 years and ≥80 years, respectively, compared to those aged <40 years.

CONCLUSION

Aging was a negative prognostic factor of survival outcome in solid cancer patients receiving curative surgery. After adjustment of other clinicopathologic factors, the influence of age on survival outcome was less apparent in the elderly.

Routine treatment and outcome of breast cancer in younger versus elderly patients: results from the SENORA project of the prospective German TMK cohort study

Purpose

There is an ongoing discussion about ‘undertreatment’ of breast cancer in elderly patients. Due to low accrual into clinical trials, level 1 evidence is scarce. We report prospective data of elderly patients with breast cancer treated by medical oncologists in Germany.

Methods

The SENORA project within the prospective cohort study TMK (Tumour Registry Breast Cancer) was conducted in 82 centres from 2007–2015. Among 2316 patients, half were enrolled with curative and half with palliative treatment intention. Overall, 478 patients (21%) were aged ≥ 70.

Results

In the adjuvant setting, elderly patients aged ≥ 70 had more advanced tumour stages at diagnosis and a higher prevalence of comorbidities than younger patients. Elderly patients received adjuvant chemotherapy less frequently, yet the 3-year disease-free survival was similar (86% vs. 88%). In the palliative setting, elderly patients more frequently received endocrine therapy and less frequently chemotherapy. Their median overall survival [24.9 months, 95% CI (confidence interval) 20.0–30.2] was significantly shorter than that of younger patients (39.7 months, 95% CI 34.9–44.2). A Cox proportional hazards model showed a significantly increased risk of mortality for: age ≥ 70 at start of therapy, negative HR- or HER2-status, higher number of metastatic sites, more comorbidities and high tumour grading at diagnosis.

Conclusions

Our results shed light on the routine treatment of elderly patients with breast cancer. A regression model demonstrated that age is but one of various prognostic factors determining the shorter overall survival of elderly patients.

The Preoperative Assessment and Optimization of Patients Undergoing Major Urological Surgery

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Improving patient outcomes from major urological surgery requires not only advancement in surgical technique and technology, but also the practice of patient-centered, multidisciplinary, and integrated medical care of these patients from the moment of contemplation of surgery until full recovery. This review examines the evidence for recent developments in preoperative assessment and optimization that is of relevance to major urological surgery.

RECENT FINDINGS

Current perioperative medicine recommendations aim to improve the short-term safety and long-term effectiveness of surgical treatments by the delivery of multidisciplinary integrated medical care. New strategies to deliver this aim include preoperative risk stratification using a frailty index and cardiopulmonary exercise testing for patients undergoing intra-abdominal surgery (including radical cystectomy), preoperative management of iron deficiency and anemia, and preoperative exercise intervention. Proof of the utility and validity for improving surgical outcomes through advances in preoperative care is still evolving. Evidence-based developments in this field are likely to benefit patients undergoing major urological surgery, but further research targeted at high-risk patients undergoing specific urological operations is required.

Locally advanced breast cancer in elderly patients

BACKGROUND

Although locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) is more common in the elderly population, there is little data on the clinical characteristics and survival of these patients. The aim of the present study was to compare different factors affecting survival in elderly patients with LABC.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis was carried out on a cohort of 80 patients aged 70 to 96 years, diagnosed with LABC defined as T3 N1, T4 N0, any N2 or N3, and M0. The prognostic impact of selected clinical parameters including age, comorbidities, tumour grade, HER2 status, tumour stage, local therapies, and systemic treatments was studied.

RESULTS

The median age of the patients was 79 years. The majority (n=53; 66%) had at least one significant comorbidity according to the Charlson score evaluation. The median overall survival was 50.6 months. As expected, hormonal therapy was the dominant mode of systemic treatment, but 24% also received at least one line of chemotherapy. Local therapies including surgery and/or radiotherapy were applied in 58% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The diagnosis of LABC in the elderly is associated with poor prognosis. Age and serious comorbidities were negative prognostic factors.

[Radical oncological stomach, liver and pancreatic surgery in patients over 80 years old]

AIM

To analyze the results of radical surgery for upper GI cancer in patients ≥80 years old.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

For the period November 2010 - June 2015 there were 14 radical operations in elderly (≥80 years) patients with gastric, liver and pancreatic tumors. There were 4 Whipple procedures, 4 total and 2 distal gastrectomies, 1 total pancreatectomy as well as a central liver resection, one laparoscopic 5 segment resection and one 2, 3, 7 segment resection. We analyzed blood loss, duration of surgery, 90-day mortality, morbidity (Dindo-Clavien scoring), length of hospital-stay.

RESULTS

Blood loss ranged from 0 to 1500 ml, mean duration of surgery - from 150 to 560 min. There was one case of in-hospital mortality: one patient after a Whipple procedure died in 17 days after surgery due to massive arrosive bleeding. Complications developed in 8 patients, 3 of them required reoperation. Mean hospital-stay was 15±6 (8-29) days.

CONCLUSION

Advanced upper GI surgery for cancer is feasible in octagenarians and does not lead to inappropriate mortality and morbidity. Comprehensive preoperative examination alongside with enhanced recovery protocol are prerequisites for this type of surgery.

The Impact of Comorbidity on Surgical Outcomes in Older Adults with Cancer

OBJECTIVES

To provide an overview of the impact of comorbidity on surgical outcomes and postoperative geriatric events in older adults with cancer, and review key components of quality perioperative nursing care of older adults with cancer.

DATA SOURCES

Journal articles, research reports, state of the science papers, position papers, and clinical guidelines from professional organizations.

CONCLUSION

The high prevalence of multiple comorbidities and the associated burden of geriatric events in older adults after cancer surgery have a substantial impact on surgical outcomes, quality of life, and health care costs. Practical and efficient models of comprehensive assessment, prevention, and management of postoperative geriatric events and comorbid conditions are needed to improve surgical outcomes for this vulnerable cancer population.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Oncology nurses practicing in clinical and research settings have a responsibility to arm themselves with evidence-based knowledge and resources to improve the perioperative care of older adults with cancer.

Survival outcomes of geriatric patients with clinically resectable gastric cancer: to operate or not

BACKGROUND

Approximately, 50% of all gastric cancer patients are aged >70 y. Although curative surgery is the treatment of choice, many geriatric patients die of surgical complications. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the impact of radical surgery on the survival outcome of geriatric patients with resectable gastric cancers.

METHODS

About 488 patients diagnosed with resectable gastric cancers, aged ≥70 y, between January 2007 and December 2012 at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital (CGMH) Linkou branch were included in this study. Using univariate and multivariate analyses, possible prognostic variables for survival outcome were assessed in 445 patients (91.2%) treated with radical surgery (operation [OP] group) and 43 (8.8%) receiving conservative treatment (non-OP group). The impact of radical surgery on survival outcomes was evaluated according to CGMH scores.

RESULTS

On multivariate analysis, surgical resection with subtotal gastrectomy and CGMH score were the only independent prognostic factors for both overall and cancer-specific survival. The median survival time was 43 mo for the entire cohort. The OP group had significantly better survival outcome than the non-OP group (median survival, 50.3 versus 16.2 mo, P < 0.001). The median survival times for patients with CGMH scores ≤20 were 64.1 and 20.0 mo (P < 0.002) and those for patients with CGMH scores >20 were 13.8 and 10.4 mo (P = 0.18) in the OP and non-OP groups, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical resection and CGMH score are independent prognostic factors for overall and cancer-specific survival; the CGMH score might be a prognostic indicator of surgical outcome in geriatric patients with resectable gastric cancers.

Specific Aspects of Breast Cancer Therapy of Elderly Women

Breast cancer is the leading cause of death among women, and its incidence increases with age. The average age at diagnosis is 61 years, and the majority of deaths occurs after the age of 65 years. Optimal approach to elderly women with breast cancer is still a major challenge. Elderly patients with cancer should have at least a brief geriatric assessment to detect potentially treatable problems not always adequately evaluated by the oncologists. Therapeutic nihilism should be avoided and effective treatment provided, unless there are compelling reasons against it. Sharing the care for the patient with geriatricians or primary care physicians trained in geriatrics should be considered for all vulnerable and frail elderly patients.

Geriatric Assessment as a Predictor of Delirium and Other Outcomes in Elderly Patients With Cancer

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to describe the implementation of preoperative geriatric assessment (GA) in patients undergoing major cancer surgery and to determine predictors of postoperative delirium.

BACKGROUND

Geriatric surgical patients have unique vulnerabilities and are at increased risk of developing postoperative delirium.

METHODS

Geriatricians at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center risk-stratify surgical patients with solid tumors, ages 75 years and older, using preoperative GA, which includes basic and instrumental activities of daily living (ADLs, IADLs), cognition (Mini-Cog test), history of falls, nutritional state, and comorbidities (Charlson Comorbidity Index). The Geriatrics Service evaluates patients for postoperative delirium using the confusion assessment method. A retrospective review was performed. The associations between GA and postoperative outcomes were evaluated. Univariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the predictive value of GA for postoperative delirium, and a multivariate model was built.

RESULTS

In total, 416 patients who received preoperative evaluation by the Geriatrics Service between September 1, 2010, and December 31, 2011, were included. Delirium occurred in 19% of patients. Patients with delirium had longer length of hospital stay (P < 0.001) and greater likelihood of discharge to a rehabilitation facility (P < 0.001). Charlson Comorbidity Index score, history of falls, dependent on IADL, and abnormal Mini-Cog test results predicted postoperative delirium on univariate analysis. Developed using a stepwise selection method, a multivariate model to predict delirium is presented including Charlson Comorbidity Index score (P = 0.032), dependence IADLs (P = 0.011), and falls history (P = 0.056).

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative GA is feasible and may achieve a better understanding of older patients' perioperative risks, including delirium.

Clinical and research priorities for combined modality therapy in stage III NSCLC

Stage III NSCLC comprises of a heterogeneous group of patients with regard to stage, extent of disease and prognosis. Disease presentation can often be complex in clinical practice, and the challenges are not well-defined in clinical trials or practice guidelines. In order to improve the therapeutic ratio of treatment, one needs to either increase the benefit of treatment or reduce toxicities, or both. Priorities in radiation therapy include dose escalation, imaging advances, improved target delineation, reduced planning target volume margin, intensity-modulated radiotherapy, image-guided radiotherapy, motion management and the use of cytoprotectants. Priorities in systemic therapy include the incorporation of molecularly targeted and immune-modulatory agents.

Role of frailty and sarcopenia in predicting outcomes among patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery

According to the United States census bureau 20% of Americans will be older than 65 years in 2030 and half of them will need an operation - equating to about 36 million older surgical patients. Older adults are prone to complications during gastrointestinal cancer treatment and therefore may need to undergo special pretreatment assessments that incorporate frailty and sarcopenia assessments. A focused, structured literature review on PubMed and Google Scholar was performed to identify primary research articles, review articles, as well as practice guidelines on frailty and sarcopenia among patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery. The initial search identified 450 articles; after eliminating duplicates, reports that did not include surgical patients, case series, as well as case reports, 42 publications on the impact of frailty and/or sarcopenia on outcome of patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery were included. Frailty is defined as a clinically recognizable state of increased vulnerability to physiologic stressors resulting from aging. Frailty is associated with a decline in physiologic reserve and function across multiple physiologic systems. Sarcopenia is a syndrome characterized by progressive and generalized loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength. Unlike cachexia, which is typically associated with weight loss due to chemotherapy or a general malignancy-related cachexia syndrome, sarcopenia relates to muscle mass rather than simply weight. As such, while weight reflects nutritional status, sarcopenia - the loss of muscle mass - is a more accurate and quantitative global marker of frailty. While chronologic age is an important element in assessing a patient's peri-operative risk, physiologic age is a more important determinant of outcomes. Geriatric assessment tools are important components of the pre-operative work-up and can help identify patients who suffer from frailty. Such data are important, as frailty and sarcopenia have repeatedly been demonstrated among the strongest predictors of both short- and long-term outcome following complicated surgical procedures such as esophageal, gastric, colorectal, and hepato-pancreatico-biliary resections.

Benefits of Minimal Access Surgery in Elderly Patients with Pelvic Cancer

An increasing proportion of patients requiring treatment for malignancy are elderly, which has created new challenges for oncologic surgeons. Aging is associated with an increasing prevalence of frailty and comorbidities that may affect the outcome of surgical procedures. By decreasing complications and shortening length of hospital stay without affecting oncologic safety, surgery performed using the robot, rather than traditional laparotomy, improves the chances of a better outcome in our growing elderly populations. In addition to age, surgeons should take into account factors, such as frailty and comorbidities that correlate with outcome.

To Operate or Not: Prediction of 3-Month Postoperative Mortality in Geriatric Cancer Patients

Context: Appropriate selection of aging patient who fit for cancer surgery is an art-of-state.

Objectives: This study aimed to identify predictive factors pertinent to 3-month postoperative mortality in geriatric cancer patients.

Methods: A total of 8,425 patients over 70 years old with solid cancer received radical surgery between 2007 and 2012 at four affiliated hospitals of the Chang Gung Memorial Hospital were included. The clinical variables of patients who died within 3 months post-surgery were analyzed retrospectively. Recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) was performed by randomly selecting 50% of the patients (testing set) to identify specific groups of patients with the lowest and highest probability of 3-month postoperative mortality. The remaining 50% were used as validation set of the model.

Results: Patients' gender, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance (ECOG scale), Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), American Society of Anesthesiologist physical status, age, tumor staging, and mode of admission were independent variables that predicted 3-month postoperative mortality. The RPA model identified patients with an ECOG scale of 0-2, localized tumor stage, and a CCI of 0-2 as having the lowest probability of 3-month postoperative mortality (1.1% and 1.3% in the testing set and validation set, respectively). Conversely, an ECOG scale of 3-4 and a CCI >2 were associated with the highest probability of 3-month postoperative mortality (55.2% and 47.8% in the testing set and validation set, respectively).

Conclusion: We identified ECOG scale and CCI score were the two most influencing factors that determined 3-month postoperative mortality in geriatric cancer patients.

Complications and risk prediction in treatment of elderly patients with rectal cancer

PURPOSE

The primary aim of this study was to characterise complications, identify predictors of postoperative morbidity and mortality and to evaluate existing risk prediction models in elderly rectal cancer patients.

METHODS

An observational single-centre study of 330 consecutive patients >75 years treated in 1994-2006. Analyses were performed by age group: 75-79 years, 80-85 years and >85 years.

RESULTS

Total observed in-hospital morbidity was 48.7 %. In multivariate analysis, age (OR 1.04, 95 % CI 1.01-1.08, p = 0.04), ASA grade ≥ 3 (p = 0.01), acute presentation (OR 1.67, 95 % CI 1.2-13.2, p = 0.02) and major surgery (APR OR 3.72, 95 % CI 1.37-10.15, p = 0.01, LAR OR 2.98, 95 % CI 1.14-7.79, p = 0.03, Hartmann OR 5.46, 95 % CI 1.60-19.28, p = 0.02) were independent risk factors for postoperative morbidity. The 30-day mortality was 6.3, 6.4 and 14.3 % (p = 0.146) in the three age groups, and the 100-day mortality was 8.7, 10.1 and 22.2 % (p = 0.03), respectively. ASA group 3 (OR 6.21, 95 % CI 4.39-27.69, p = 0.017), ASA group 4 (OR 32.6, 95 % CI 5.12-207.75, p < 0.001) and acute presentation (OR 6.48, 95 % CI 1.62-25.99, p = 0.008) increased the risk of 100-day mortality. The Physiological and Operative Severity Score for enUmeration of Mortality and Morbidity (POSSUM) observed/estimated (O/E) ratio for morbidity was 1.05. For 30-day mortality, the colorectal POSSUM (Cr-POSSUM) O/E ratio was 0.74, Surgical Risk Scale 0.61 and the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland (ACPGBI) mortality model 0.63, and for 100-day mortality, ratios were 1.12, 0.91 and 0.95, respectively.

CONCLUSION

In this series, age increased the risk of in-hospital morbidity and 100-day mortality. Cr-POSSUM, SRS and ACPGBI overestimated 30-day mortality but predicted 100-day mortality with a high degree of accuracy. POSSUM correctly predicted in-hospital morbidity.

Systemic therapy of non-colorectal gastrointestinal malignancies in the elderly

In the coming years life expectancy is expected to increase and with this the percentage of the population above age 65 will grow. Patients above 65 make up more than two thirds of those currently diagnosed with gastrointestinal malignancies. Available evidence based medicine does not focus on the average patient, above the age 70, encountered in every day practice. Most guidelines and clinical trials are not designed to take into account the special considerations needed when treating the elderly such as functional status, comorbidities, polypharmacy, life expectancy, and social support. The majority of available data is based on retrospective reviews or subset analyses of larger studies where the elderly represent a fraction of the studied population. This review focuses on the toxicities and tolerability of current standard therapies for non-colorectal gastrointestinal malignancies, including gastroesophageal, pancreatic, bile duct and hepatocellular cancers in the elderly. With careful patient selection and geriatric assessment the elderly can safely benefit from standard therapies offered to younger patients.

Treatment of colorectal cancer in the elderly

Colorectal cancer has a high incidence, and approximately 60% of colorectal cancer patients are older than 70, with this incidence likely increasing in the near future. Elderly patients (> 70-75 years of age) are a very heterogeneous group, ranging from the very fit to the very frail. Traditionally, these patients have often been under-treated and recruited less frequently to clinical trials than younger patients, and thus are under-represented in publications about cancer treatment. Recent studies suggest that fit elderly patients can be treated in the same way as their younger counterparts, but the treatment of frail patients with comorbidities is still a matter of controversy. Many factors should be taken into account, including fitness for treatment, the wishes of the patient and family, and quality of life. This review will focus on the existing evidence for surgical, oncologic, and palliative treatment in patients over 70 years old with colorectal cancer. Careful patient assessment is necessary in order to individualize treatment approach, and this should rely on a multidisciplinary process. More well-designed controlled trials are needed in this patient population.

A simple risk stratification model that predicts 1-year postoperative mortality rate in patients with solid-organ cancer

This study aimed to construct a scoring system developed exclusively from the preoperative data that predicts 1-year postoperative mortality in patients with solid cancers. A total of 20,632 patients who had a curative resection for solid-organ cancers between 2007 and 2012 at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou Medical Center were included in the derivation cohort. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to develop a risk model that predicts 1-year postoperative mortality. Patients were then stratified into four risk groups (low-, intermediate-, high-, and very high-risk) according to the total score (0–43) form mortality risk analysis. An independent cohort of 16,656 patients who underwent curative cancer surgeries at three other hospitals during the same study period (validation cohort) was enrolled to verify the risk model. Age, gender, cancer site, history of previous cancer, tumor stage, Charlson comorbidity index, American Society of Anesthesiologist score, admission type, and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status were independently predictive of 1-year postoperative mortality. The 1-year postoperative mortality rates were 0.5%, 3.8%, 14.6%, and 33.8%, respectively, among the four risk groups in the derivation cohort (c-statistic, 0.80), compared with 0.9%, 4.2%, 14.6%, and 32.6%, respectively, in the validation cohort (c-statistic, 0.78). The risk stratification model also demonstrated good discrimination of long-term survival outcome of the four-tier risk groups (P < 0.01 for both cohorts). The risk stratification model not only predicts 1-year postoperative mortality but also differentiates long-term survival outcome between the risk groups.

Age-specific cancer survival in Estonia: recent trends and data quality

Background

A number of population-based studies have demonstrated lower cancer survival in elderly patients than among middle-aged or younger patients. Also, data quality in cancer registries has been shown to be associated with age. The objective of this study was to examine the recent age-specific cancer survival trends and age-specific quality of cancer data in Estonia.

Methods

Using Estonian Cancer Registry data, we calculated relative survival ratios (RSRs) for eight common cancers in Estonia in 1995–1999 (cohort method) and 2005–2009 (period method) for four major age groups (15–54, 55–64, 65–74, and 75–84 years at diagnosis). The main data quality indicators were calculated, and the age-specific effect of missing death certificate initiated (DCI) cases on survival was estimated comparing 5-year RSRs computed from the complete data set with those from data set without DCI cases.

Results

We observed overall rise in 5-year RSR for all eight cancers over the study period, with a considerable variation by age, with the lowest survival among the oldest patients. The widest age gradient in 5-year RSR was seen for bladder cancer (20% units in 2005–2009), followed by cancers of lung (16% units), kidney (15% units), breast and prostate (13% units), stomach and rectum (11% units), and colon (5% units). All data quality indicators, including proportion of cases with unknown stage showed a similar age-related pattern with the lowest quality in the oldest age group. The effect of missing DCI cases on survival estimates increased by age and was around 3% units for prostate and kidney cancers among the oldest patients.

Conclusion

Young or middle-aged patients in Estonia experienced larger survival gain since the late 1990s than elderly patients. Decreasing quality of cancer registry data along with increasing patient age suggests less thorough clinical investigations in older age groups.

Prediction of Postoperative Complications Using Multidimensional Frailty Score in Older Female Cancer Patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Class 1 or 2

BACKGROUND

Even low-risk, elderly patients are at increased risk for postoperative morbidity compared with their younger counterparts. We sought to evaluate the role of a scoring model in predicting adverse surgical outcomes in low-risk, older, female cancer patients.

STUDY DESIGN

From October 2011 to May 2014, two hundred and eighty-one low-risk female patients (aged 65 years and older, American Society of Anesthesiologists class 1 or 2) undergoing curative cancer surgery were included. The Multidimensional Frailty Score (MFS) was calculated by comprehensive geriatric assessment. The primary end point was postoperative complication (eg, pneumonia, urinary tract infection, delirium, acute pulmonary thromboembolism, and unplanned ICU admission). Secondary outcomes were length of hospital stay and institutionalization.

RESULTS

Twenty patients experienced postoperative complications and 15 patients were discharged to nursing facilities. The fully adjusted odds ratio (OR) per 1-point increase in MFS was 1.412 (95% CI, 1.012-1.969; p = 0.042) for postoperative complications, 1.377 (95% CI, 0.935-2.026; p = 0.105) for institutionalization, and 1.411 (95% CI, 1.110-1.793; p = 0.005) for prolonged hospital stay. The high-risk group (MFS ≥7) showed an increased risk for postoperative complications (OR = 8.513; 95% CI, 2.210-32.785; p = 0.002), institutionalization (OR = 1.291; 95% CI, 0.324-5.152; p = 0.717), and prolonged hospital stay (OR = 2.336; 95% CI, 1.090-5.006; p = 0.029) compared with the low-risk group (MFS <7), after adjusting confounders.

CONCLUSIONS

Multidimensional Frailty Score based on a preoperative comprehensive geriatric assessment is useful for predicting postoperative complications and prolonged hospital stay, even in low-risk elderly women who are undergoing cancer surgery.

Breast and ovarian cancer in the older woman

Nearly half of all women diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer are age 65 years or older with the number of women diagnosed expected to increase as the population ages and life expectancy improves. Older women are less likely to be offered standard cancer treatments, are more likely to develop higher toxicity, and have higher mortality. Chronologic age should not be the only factor used for making treatment decisions. Functional dependence, organ function, comorbidity, polypharmacy, social support, cognitive and/or psychosocial factors, overall life expectancy, and patient's goals of care are equally vital and should be assessed before and during treatment. In this review, current evidence and treatment guidelines for older women with breast or ovarian cancer are outlined.

Use of the Barthel index, activities of daily living, in dermatologic surgery in patients aged 80 years and older

BACKGROUND

Dermatologists often attend elderly patients with non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). There is a lack of information regarding the optimum treatment for elderly patients with NMSC.

METHODS

The objective of this study was to describe changes in the Barthel Index (BI) after dermatologic surgery for NMSC in patients aged 80 years and older. A prospective observational study was carried out in patients aged 80 years and older diagnosed with NMSC and treated with conventional dermatologic surgery. BI was performed by direct interview with the patients and/or their caregiver before the surgery, seven and 30 days after the surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 180 dermatologic surgeries were performed in 144 patients. The average age of the patients was 84.2 years. There were 84 men (58.3%) and 60 women (41.7%). Mean BI score was 85.9 at baseline, 85.3 on day 7 after surgery, and 85.6 on day 30, showing minimal changes after dermatologic surgery. Changes in the BI occurred mainly in dressing, toilet use, transfers, mobility (on level surfaces) and walking stairs.

CONCLUSIONS

Activities of daily living were not significantly affected in patients aged 80 years and older, after dermatologic surgery for NMSC.